Both contestants nodded. They agreed: if anyone admits defeat or is unable to fight, the other will win.

*******

Yui leaned toward Miko, eyes still fixed on the arena. “Mom, I know the tournament rounds change every year—but still… one-on-one as the first round?”

Miko let out a sigh. “First, just watch the match. You said that kid is him, right? Let’s see if you’re correct.”

*******

The two fighters stood facing each other on the arena’s circular floor, surrounded by the towering coliseum crowd. The instructor stepped back, moving toward the edge of the ring, where he casually leaned against the 3-meter-high ring wall. The arena floor had a few scattered trees around 2.5 meters tall.

Roy stepped forward slightly. (20 years old, ivory skin tone, lean build—but not overly slim. He looked much younger than his age, and his height was shorter than most would expect.)

Ren stood calmly across from him and called out, “Let’s start.”

The two locked eyes, unmoving.

Ren thought to himself. ‘I want to finish this quickly. First, I’ll use a smoke bomb—then no one can see what’s happening. I’ll strike before the fog fades.’

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a smoke bomb, and threw it to the ground.

A thick cloud exploded, filled with dust and mineral particles—an intentional blend that made it completely impossible to see anything inside the fog.

The crowd stirred.

“Hey, what’s happening in there?”

“Why did he use that?”

*******

– ‘Hey, I can’t see anything!’

– “He used a smoke bomb… Maybe he didn’t want anyone to see what he’s doing.”

The fog slowly cleared.

On the arena floor, Roy was lying on the ground, unconscious. Ren stood far from him, completely calm, his posture undisturbed.

*******

From the stands, Sakura leaned in. “Master, what just happened? What did—Ken do?”

Kazuma sighed. “How would I know?”

“You know! But you're not telling us!” Sakura said, voice rising in frustration.

Hisagi quickly added, “Yes, Master! Did Master Ken win that easily?”

*******

Sujin, with confusion turning into irritation, spoke sharply. “If he wasn’t able to win properly, why did he even participate? We can’t even force him to learn… yet he insisted on joining the tournament?”

Haruki said nothing, just observing.

Back in the stands, Yui turned to Miko again, her voice low but quick. “Mom, what happened just now? You can sense directions, right? Did he go in, hit him, and come back?”

Miko paused, then replied thoughtfully. “Well… it’s possible. But why do I want to sense it now? I didn’t. It just happened so fast… in a few seconds.”

– ‘I told you already he’s powerful… you’re the one who didn’t listen.’

– “Ah… I believe it. I think he blocked the energy flow. But that only works when the opponent isn’t aware… or if they’re too weak.”

*******

“Did the match end already?”

“Sujin-sama’s son… defeated? Well, he wasn’t strong from the start.” The comments passed quietly through the crowd.

Haruto stepped into the center of the arena, raising his hand to announce Ren’s victory—

But Roy’s voice interrupted, weak but defiant. “Haruto-san… I didn’t admit defeat. I can still fight! Why are you interrupting?”

Roy slowly stood, legs trembling. He could barely balance, his whole body shaking in pain.

His thoughts spun. ‘What did that guy do to me? It happened in seconds—he came, hit me, and I collapsed. What is this pain? I… I can’t even stand properly!’

Ren looked at him, confused. ‘What the f⬛…? How is he just standing there? Did I not block properly?’

Roy's body ached, and a mix of pain, shame, and rage boiled within him. ‘What did that bastard say to me before? When it hurts, focus on Kairo energy… I should’ve listened! But how the hell do I do that now?! My legs aren’t even listening to my body!’

Roy fell to his knees, but his eyes stayed locked on Ren. ‘Please, God… I have to win. My mother is definitely watching this round from somewhere. I don’t care about winning the whole tournament… just this one match.’

‘Shit, why am I even praying now? First—calm down. Concentrate. I have to stand!’

*******

“He’s standing again! That means… the fight continues, right?” The crowd stirred again—Sujin’s eyes widened in shock.

Haruki leaned forward, grinning. “Now I definitely agree with your words, Sujin-sama… Inori-sama looks excited for him.”

Back near the viewing stands—

Hisagi turned to Kazuma. “Master… Didn't Master Ken win already? He fell, right?”

Kazuma snapped, “Hey, just watch the match! Why are you asking questions now?! The other guy didn’t admit defeat, you dumb idiot!”

*******

Yui nearby chuckled teasingly. – “You say he’s powerful… but Sujin-sama’s son stood up again.”

– ‘Is the opponent strong? But his knees are on the ground… he can’t even stand properly.’

– ‘I don’t know for sure… He hasn’t participated in the tournament before.’

*******

Ren thought. ‘He’s down but won’t admit defeat?’ Then he called out,“Hey, who’s your master? Or are you self-taught?”

Roy slowly rose, trembling but trying to appear confident. “W-What’s with that bastard? I’m your opponent now, not him.”

Haruki glanced away, pretending not to hear, confused. ‘Why’s he calling me a bastard? I didn’t do anything wrong. I just tried to teach him, but he didn’t listen.’

‘Bastard? Is he talking about his Master? Wait! That's Sujin’s son? I didn’t catch that before…’

Ren’s thoughts raced nervously. ‘Okay, now the real problem—how do I win against him? If I mess up, Inori will kill me. I have to end this without a fight.’

He called out, “Hey, I don’t want to fight. How about we play a game to decide the winner?”

Roy's thoughts spun. ‘Game? What’s he talking about? Wait—if it’s a game, maybe I can win. Definitely not if we fight.’

“What game?”

*******

Hisagi whispered to Kazuma, “What’s Master thinking? Why suggest a game now?””

Kazuma said, calm and teasing, “Hey, you already know everything. Why ask me?”

Hisagi blinked, confused. “Huh? What do I know?”

Kazuma stared seriously at Hisagi.

Hisagi stammered nervously, “Ah, ah…”

Sakura asked, “Master, what game do you think Ken will suggest?”

Kazuma shrugged. “How should I know?”

*******

“A game? What’s that white-haired guy thinking? What's his name, Haruki?”

“Oh, him? His name’s Ken. And his Kairo Energy level is 101.”

“Huh!? 101?”

Even Chief Daisuke of town Sakihana, 39 years old, raised an eyebrow. “101!?”

Daichi, 39 years old, Chief of Akizora Town, asked, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, maybe that’s why he suggested a game…”

*******

Ren casually bent down and picked up a small stone from the ground. “It’s nothing serious,” he said, “I’ll just toss this stone into the air. You only have to touch it.”

Roy, now standing with effort but composed, narrowed his eyes. “That’s it?”

Ren nodded. “Of course, I’ll use my hands and... You can choose how many minutes you want to touch it.”

“Huh?”

*******

Kazuma whispered, “He’s using his brain, but …”

“Master, Ken is about to use his Controller abilities, right?”

Kazuma spoke in gibberish, “He’s an idiot! Why’d he say, ‘chooth how many minutesh you want?’ He practically gave him the option to say no!”

Roy’s thoughts raced. ‘What the f⬛ is he planning? If I just touch the stone, I win? But he said I can choose the minutes… So he’s confident in his ability?’

“I don’t agree. I’ll fight.”

Ren’s expression turned sulky. “Hey, I was just trying to help you, but—if you won’t agree, there’s no choice.”

Haruto observed quietly, eyes following every move without interference.

Ren gritted his teeth. ‘What do I do now? He rejected it. I only have one shot left. But how do I even get close to him? Teleportation? No… Temporary Flex?’

Roy thought. ‘I talked like I was ready, but now… My body’s still not fully stable. Did I make a mistake refusing the game?’

Ren’s right hand touched the katana’s hilt, wrapped in olive dark green cloth. His left hand gently pushed the katana from its black sheath.

He positioned himself with silent precision: his left knee bent forward, firmly grounded; his right leg stretched behind, heel lifted, toes angled for balance. His spine straightened, torso leaning forward.

‘Sorry, Sakuragi… I opened the sheath. I’ll regret that for the rest of my life—for not saving him. But now, Temporary Flex is the right call. People won’t suspect anything—they’ll just think I moved fast.’

‘To do this, I need to flow Kairo Energy into my ankle nodes. But for speed… I’ll also need a backup draw from the heart—if I mess up… well, he’s just standing.’

Ren inhaled calmly.

Kazuma muttered, “What’s that idiot doing, touching his katana hilt?”

“Master, what’s Ken trying now? Wait—did Ken have any katana skills?”

Kazuma said calmly, “Looks like he’s just prepping for Temporary Flex.”

Roy’s thoughts spun. ‘What’s with that stance? Is he coming at me? I didn’t learn everything when he tried to teach me… but I did learn some when he tea—’

In an instant, Ren said, “Admit defeat.”

Everyone froze. The crowd murmured, “What the f⬛ just happened?”

The swirling fog of Temporary Flex hadn’t even cleared—it looked like it had just been used. Yet there stood Ren, katana drawn. The dull, rusted-looking blade hovered horizontally against Roy’s neck.

Roy swallowed hard. His breath caught in his chest. ‘What… What just happened? A second ago, he was far away. How did he get this close!?’

The katana may have looked worn and dull—but that edge touching his neck was razor-sharp.

Ren whispered into his ear, cold and steady, “Admit defeat… or I’ll torture you. Don’t worry. I won’t kill you.”

*******

“Are you sure, Haruki? His Kairo Energy level is 101?” Sujin asked skeptically.

Haruki nodded. “Yes, Sujin-sama.”

“But his speed—it's not normal. Did he suppress his Kairo Energy?”

“Well… he did ask me what the minimum level to pass was. Maybe he wanted to suppress it.”

Sujin’s eyes narrowed. “I haven’t seen him in past tournaments… but he looks interesting.”

*******

Sakura’s jaw dropped. “Master!?”

Kazuma didn’t even flinch. “Why are you so shocked? He just used Temporary Flex. He knows how to fight. Don’t underestimate him.”

“B-but... he always cries whenever I ask him anything. He didn't say anything to me. He looked timid. But now—that speed—”

Kazuma sighed. “I told you. He knows things. He just chooses not to show them.”

“Why?”

“Mmm... and what exactly would you get with that answer, hm? Let’s leave it at that.”

“You’re acting like him, Master.”

Kazuma looked at her with a hint of amusement. “Well… I’ll tell you the truth then—he’s stronger than me.”

Hisagi’s eyes widened. ‘He just said it. Directly!?’

Sakura blinked. “Huh? Master, don’t joke like that—it’s not even funny.”

Hisagi thought with exasperation. ‘This girl… he just told her the truth, and she won’t even listen. Now I get why Master said…’

Kazuma suddenly turned serious. “Don’t say anything to him. And Sakura… I meant it. I’m telling you the truth.”

‘Wha—!? Master saying it straight out! Even when she thinks it’s a joke. What’s going on with him today?’

Hisagi leaned in and whispered to Kazuma, “Master, why are you telling her now?”

Kazuma whispered back, “We’re already participating in the tournament. No point hiding it anymore. I’m not spilling secrets—just giving her what she’ll find out soon. And besides, I’m not like him… so it’s okay even Sakura knows.”

Hisagi grinned. “Master… For the first time, I like you. Uh—don’t misunderstand! You should tell her more about him.”

Kazuma gave him a sarcastic shove. “You’re getting noisy. Move. I know what to say.”

Sakura called out, “Hey, what are you whispering, Master? And… you’re really not joking?”

Kazuma answered plainly, “Yes. Simple. Straight. Don’t look at him as a timid guy. Respect him.”

Sakura blinked again. “Master… I’ve never seen this side of you before. But I’ve always respected and loved him.”

Kazuma replied flatly, “You respect him?” he paused, then said, “Well. Okay then.”

Sakura frowned, pouting. “Why are you saying it like that, Master?… Well, fine.”

Kazuma responded coldly, “Okay.”

Sakura huffed. “Why are you acting like this, Master? I’m your disciple!”

Kazuma didn’t even turn. “He’s my best friend. You come after him.”

Both Sakura and Hisagi stared. They’d never seen Kazuma like this.

Sakura spoke with a burst of energy, “Fine! I get it! Just don’t treat me like that! Please!”

Kazuma finally smiled. “Okay.”

*******

From the stands…

– ‘Hey, why didn’t you move that fast when you used it?’

Yui pouted, crossing her arms. – “Huh? Why are you comparing me to him now?”

– ‘I’m not comparing, I’m just saying… he’s fast. Is it the same technique or something different?’

She huffed. – “It depends on who uses it, obviously.”

A calm voice cut in. “He looks strong.”

“Huh? Mom?”

Miko gave a soft smile. “Well… it’s just the first match.”

Meanwhile, on the arena floor…

‘What do I do now…? Mom’s watching me… I can’t win like this…’

Roy lowered his eyes, clenched his fists—then sighed. “…I admit defeat.”

Haruto stepped forward. “Winner is Contestant 101.”

Ren leaned in quietly, voice low but gentle. He whispered, “Hey… you stood well. I don’t know who you’re fighting for… but if you don’t want to fight, then just say it. They’ll understand. They know you, right?”

Roy looked up—surprised—and locked eyes with Ren. His lips trembled. Tears threatened to spill. He turned and walked off the arena floor without a word.

*******

Haruki watched quietly. “Will he be okay with that, Sujin-sama?”

Sujin exhaled. “Probably.”

Back on the arena floor…

Haruto lifted the next slips. “Next match between Contestants… 56 and… 11.”

Two fighters stepped into the arena.

“Again? Sujin sama’s son?” the crowd murmured.

Haruki said from behind Sujin, “Sujin-sama, I didn’t expect the first two matches to be consecutive like this.”

Match: Bunta vs Kenma Jin.

*******

Ren walked back to where he sat before.

– Hey. Why did you use that?

– Huh? He’s Inori’s son. I just wanted to finish quickly. I had no choice.

– Even so…

– Then what would you have done? I'm an idiot, okay? I even offered a game—he refused.

– That’s because of you, idiot! You let him choose the time limit. Of course he knew you were confident.

Ren blinked. – …Huh? I didn’t think like that. I just thought he wasn't in a position to run, so I gave him the option…

Kazuma facepalmed. – …You’re stupid. Of course he’d focus only on that—even if your intention was different.

Back on the arena floor…

Jin stepped forward, hands in his pockets. Calm. Cool. Quiet.

He opened his mouth—then said, “I don’t want to fight.”